LOOK: The Hyundai Staria Tourer 9-seater

Early this year, Hyundai Motor Company has launched the futuristic-looking Staria that made a stir in the international automotive scene.

Following its introduction in Thailand recently, many are actually awaiting if Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI) would be bringing the said model in the country.

For one, HARI promised at the 2020 Manila International Auto Show that it is set to launch four models locally this year (although based on the silhouette shown at the distributor’s virtual presentation, the Philippine market could be expecting a refreshed Starex).

However, a gearhead, who requested anonymity, shared to Carmudi Philippines some snaps of this futuristic model — the Tourer nine-seater variant at that — in the metal.

Based on the initial impression, the Hyundai Staria Tourer nine-seater seems to have a strong resemblance with the Toyota Previa, but some details in the overall spaceship-inspired look helps veer away from the Japanese model, creating a character of its own.

The logo is found in between the hood of the van and the wide grille — which is very different from the usual designs where the emblem is fitted in the middle of the grille. Being the mid variant of the global model, the Hyundai Staria Tourer nine-seater sits on chrome wheels.

This variety has a three-occupant seating design on every row with sufficient cubbyholes and bottle holders that make for a good shuttle when going on a road trip.

The occupants are to be greeted with beige seats, black carpeting and an abundant share of black plastic components all around the vehicle. Matching the color of the seats is the vehicle’s headliner that gives the vehicle a lighter shade inside.

A black steering wheel wears a futuristic chrome outline. Also, the Hyundai Staria Tourer nine-seater dropped the analog cluster in exchange for a digital instrument panel, making the overall design of the cockpit ultramodern.

While most of its features are futuristic, the center panel of the dashboard is still equipped with a basic audio system as well as knobs and buttons for its air-conditioning system— a reminder that it is not the top-of-the-line offering.

However, it has been fitted with a pair of moon roofs to give both the front and rear passengers their ample share of natural light.

As for delivery of power, the Hyundai Staria Tourer nine-seater was described as having  a smooth and comfortable output. This is mainly because of the refined 2.2-liter VGT engine paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The diesel powertrain can provide as much as 175hp and 431Nm.

Contributed photos

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INFOGRAPHIC: History of Hyundai